Everyone has probably wished that they had the ability to be Marvel. Armed only with B-grade intellectual property and superhuman levels of fortitude, a small comic book firm gradually worked its way into an unbreakable grasp on the cinema industry. However, a decade and a half later, Marvel has established itself as the established order. It is past time for another valiant upstart to stage a revolution. That newcomer? Mattel, the toy people.
Barbie, The Live-Action Film Star
Barbie has been the hardest-working lady in the toy aisle for 62 years, sliding from one occupation to the next wearing a dizzying number of clothing and accessories — and, more recently, altering body shapes and skin tones. Barbie the astrophysicist, Barbie the ballerina, Barbie the Chicken Farmer. Barbie the Firefighter
However, she has now accomplished the ultimate transformation: Barbie, the live-action film star.
Plans for Cinematic Domination
Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films, did a Variety interview this weekend in which she laid out her audacious goals for cinematic dominance. Brenner, who produced Dallas Buyers Club in 2013, announced a lineup of films that is stunning in scope and talent.
Greta Gerwig has added Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling to the ensemble of her Barbie film, which she will direct from a script she co-wrote with Noah Baumbach. Lena Dunham is now working on a Polly Pocket film with Lily Collins, which she is also directing. Major Matt Mason is currently being adapted into a film by Akiva Goldsman, starring Tom Hanks. This is a significant change, as the people mentioned in this paragraph have won three Academy Awards (and have been nominated for another 14) and seven Emmy Awards (and been nominated for another 15). They’re also working on a toy-related films
Additionally, a He-Man picture, a Hot Wheels film, a Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots film, a Big Jim film, a Magic 8 Ball horror franchise, and films based on Chatty Cathy and Betsy Wetsy are in the works.To be honest, in three years, we will all be drowned in Mattel films.
Isn’t this remarkable? Due in part to Marvel’s glut of superhero movies, there is no longer a commercial market for theatrically produced low-budget material. And the filmmakers behind those films – the Oscar contenders, the romantic comedies, and the renowned indie classics – have been left homeless. Until now, these individuals had two options: either rely on the streamers’ deep finances or bite the bullet and enter the realm of television. Both options imply a compromise of ideals in some sense. However, Mattel, delightful, has galloped to the rescue with a lovely third option.
Netflix to produce Mattel’s ‘Masters of the Universe’ movie
Mattel Inc and Netflix are adapting the 1980s toymaker’s “Masters of the Universe” concept into a live-action film with filming set to begin in summer 2022.
The film, which was previously in production at Sony, will be directed by the Nee Brothers and will star Kyle Allen (West Side Story) as Prince Adam, or He-Man, according to both companies.
The film will follow Adam, an orphan who discovers he is a prince whose life purpose is to save a distant nation.
Mattel began with a line of action figures in 1982, a year before the broadcast of the animated series “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.”
In recent years, American toymakers like Mattel and Hasbro have started competing with Hollywood studios for big contracts. Mattel has also reached agreements with Disney to acquire the “Toy Story,” “Cars,” and “Lightyear” franchises from Pixar Animation Studio.
Mattel bought the rights to produce dolls based on Disney royalty, including Elsa and Jasmine, from archrival Hasbro Inc. earlier last month.